Gulf Coast
Mississippi regulators to solar boosters: Sit down and be quiet
State utility regulators have increasingly placed barriers to development of the renewable energy source in one of the sunniest states in the U.S.
Latest
Polluting Democracy
Dark money group aiding Cornel West has ties to utility operative
A lawyer tied to secret funding of spoiler candidates in Florida is more evidence West’s biggest backers are people who want Trump to win
Gulf Coast
Louisiana federal court permanently blocks civil rights protections for Black communities statewide
The new ruling bars Louisiana from considering whether to permit industrial facilities in communities already facing a disparate impact from pollution
Gulf Coast
Louisiana advocate leading fight against ammonia plant: ‘I already feel ignored’
The facility is being touted by state leaders as key to the clean energy transition — and job creator for residents of Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’
Fueling Disinformation
Oil and ink mix as Chevron reports the ‘news’ in Texas, New Mexico
In the fossil fuel-rich Permian Basin, a major producer runs a regional website that combines industry perspective with feel-good local stories.
Gulf Coast
Louisiana utility commission OKs major donor’s plan to buy Entergy gas system
A Bernhard Capital Partners subsidiary — new to the natural gas business — is buying gas systems in Louisiana, Mississippi and New Mexico
Inflation Reduction Act
GOP gets 85% of the benefit of climate law. Some still hate it.
A new tally shows the overwhelming number of jobs and projects funded by the Inflation Reduction Act go to conservative states that back Trump
Gulf Coast
Louisiana advocates ‘gobsmacked’ by decision halting massive grain terminal
The project in Wallace was at the center of a local fight to preserve surrounding area’s historic treasures from further industrial development
Inflation Reduction Act
A fifth of U.S. green hydrogen projects eyed for water-stressed areas
As the federal government pours billions into hydrogen production to lower greenhouse gas emissions, critics worry water shortages in the Southwest could worsen
Inflation Reduction Act
Utilities are trying hydrogen-blended fuels. There are a lot of ‘unknowns.’
Some critics say the projects are costly ‘experiments’ that will do little to cut greenhouse gases.
Carbon Capture
A company wanted to store carbon under US forests; it may get its wish
The U.S. Forest Service said ‘no’ when CapturePoint asked to put carbon capture projects under national forests. The agency is now reconsidering.
Carbon Capture
Like carbon dioxide, this Louisiana task force’s work is deep underground
A report due in February still hasn’t been submitted after a series of public meetings; leaders of the carbon capture and sequestration study are mum
Inflation Reduction Act
Billions in US funding boosts lithium mining, stressing water supplies
The energy transition is driving demand for batteries; funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and other federal programs is helping to fill it.
Power Play
Florida investor uses internal records to sue power company for alleged fraud
The lawsuit alleging mismanagement and lies is the latest legal action by shareholders against Florida Power & Light’s parent company
Gulf Coast
Louisiana’s ‘business-friendly’ climate response: canceled home insurance plans
Under a new state law, residents will no longer be protected from homeowners’ policy cancellations, higher deductibles or big rate increases.
Carbon Offsets
BP-owned company is selling carbon credits on trees that aren’t in danger, analysis finds
Satellite analysis looked at credits sold by Finite Carbon, which runs some of North America’s largest offsetting projects